Carlingford Oyster Festival turns 40
There’s a new twist to the Carlingford Oyster Festival which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with five days of the best of Irish country music,
Running from Thursday August 8 to Monday August 12, the festival will see some of the biggest names on country scene, such as Michael English, Mike Denver and Derek Ryan performing alongside legendary Irish groups The Fureys and Bagatelle.
Speaking at the launch in The Carlingford Arms on Friday afternoon, Ger Long of the Carlingford Oyster Festival committee said: ‘ There is a great buzz to make this now five day festival of country and Irish music a success.
‘We’re thrilled to be able to add an extra day to the festival and to add that little bit of country to the 5 day already packed programme,’ he said. ‘We are now known for bringing top class performers to the Carlingford Oyster Festival and this year promises to be our best yet.’
Indeed, some of the big names who are playing at the festival were in Carlingford for the launch, with Derek Ryan, Michael English and members of Bagatelle attending the launch.
The packed festival programme also includes the Morgan’s Fine Fish Oyster Pearl Competition. Current Oyster Pearl Bronagh Quinn was unable to attend the launch as she is competing in the World Irish Dancing Championships. There will also be numerous events throughout the village suitable for all the family including street entertainment, face painting, Loughs’ Agency Touch Tank, Phil’s Petting Farm, , The Big Dig and much more..
Tickets for the festival shows are available in single day packages as well as 2,3 and 4 day packages with ‘Mix & Match’ options available from www. carlingfordoysterfestival.com’
Also this year is the first ever festival raffle with 10 fantastic prizes on offer – the top prize of which is a week for two people to a country and Irish music festival in Portugal with the famous Paul Claffey Music Tours. Part of the proceeds of this festival raffle will go towards helping some local community groups.